Pressure on China Mentioned at Munich Security Conference
"Democracy Must Stand in Solidarity"
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Joe Biden made his first appearance on the international diplomatic stage, emphasizing the return to the Atlantic alliance and cooperation among democratic countries. He also announced a firm joint response policy by the international community toward China and Russia.
President Biden made these remarks on the morning of the 19th (local time) by attending the G7 summit held via video conference and the Munich Security Conference (MSC) consecutively.
President Biden declared the U.S. return to the Atlantic alliance while emphasizing cooperation among democratic countries against authoritarian regimes. He also expressed his intention to provide $4 billion (approximately 4.4 trillion KRW) to support the purchase and distribution of vaccines to overcome the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In his speech at the Munich Security Conference, President Biden said, "The advance of democracy is under attack in too many places, including Europe and the United States," adding, "There is a fundamental debate about the future direction of the world between those who claim authoritarianism is the best path forward and those who understand that democracy is essential to meet such challenges."
He stated, "We must do everything in our power to ensure democracy prevails, and we must prove that democracy can still protect the people. That is our mission."
President Biden said, "If we cooperate with democratic partners with strength and trust, we will be able to meet every challenge and outpace every challenger."
President Biden also took a tough stance on China and Russia.
He urged European allies to join in facing China's strong political and economic challenges, saying, "We must prepare together for the long-term strategic competition with China."
He emphasized, "The benefits of growth must be shared broadly and fairly, not by a few," and added, "We can respond to China's government's economic abuse of power and coercion that undermine the foundations of the international economic system."
Regarding Russia, he said, "Russia tries to weaken NATO by threatening and harassing individual countries because it is easier than negotiating with a strong and united Atlantic community," stressing the importance of a NATO-centered response.
President Biden also confirmed that the U.S. government is ready to re-engage in negotiations with the UN Security Council regarding Iran's nuclear program.
According to the Associated Press, President Biden also emphasized the direction the international community should take to end the public health and economic crises caused by the pandemic during the closed-door G7 summit held that day.
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